Life Choices: Hannah Gordon
THE actress, 68, lives in Surrey and is married to former company director Robert Lampitt.
Food
Always the same or always game?
I don’t eat a lot of curries or Chinese food as they give me headaches. I love good quality, simple food such as fish, spinach and pasta. I must have been a rabbit in a previous life as I do eat a lot of salad.
Cooking
Experimental or tried and tested?
I’m experimental if it’s just family. I’m not terribly keen on cooking difficult things unless it’s for very close friends and then I say: “Well it might be disastrous but…” I’m known for my fish pie.
Clothes
M&S or D&G?
I love nice clothes. They make you feel good and give you confidence. I’m quite small so it’s not easy to find clothes that suit.
I like Armani because he designs clothes for little people. I also have a suit that I bought in Monsoon and every time I wear it somebody comments on it.
Shopping
Until you drop or avoid at all costs?
I hate shopping. The thought of going out to get something for a special occasion is awful because I end up trailing around shops and finding nothing.
These days when I see something I like I buy it.
Holidays
Beach or piste?
I’m at a time in life when I want to travel and see different places.
There was a time when lying on a beach in the West Indies would have been my ideal but it’s not enough any more. I’ve just come back from a cruise to Norway and it was wonderful.
Approach to life
Manana or right now?
I put things off. I’m not proud of it.
The trouble is whatever you’re meant to have done is always at the back of your mind so there’s no benefit to putting things off. That’s the way I am, however. It’s a fault.
Friends
Quantity or quality?
I have great friends from school. We lost touch for a while but once we made contact again we’ve been close ever since.
One of the most important things in life is friendship. I believe you can make good friends at any time in life.
Housekeeping
Aggie and Kim or Wayne and Waynetta?
I’m not a slob but I’m not as tidy as I’d like to be. I will create havoc while deciding what to wear and then have to tidy it all up again.
Drink
Beer or Bolli?
I don’t drink which is boring. I am allergic to alcohol and get bad migraines if I drink.
Every so often I’ll have a sip of wine and I think: ‘Oh, I’d like a glass of this’ but it wouldn’t be worth the headache afterwards.
Entertainment
Intimate dinner or a big bash?
An intimate dinner every time. I like talking to people and you need some peace and quiet for that. I become stupid at parties.
I don’t know what you’re supposed to say to somebody when it’s really noisy and you can’t move and your feet are hurting because you’ve been standing around for hours.
Cars
Boy racer or Sunday driver?
I’m not a Sunday driver but I’m not a boy racer either.
We have a cottage in the country that we go to at the weekend and so I need a car that I can load up with stuff. I drive a 4x4 but for practical reasons.
Money
Rainy day or live for today?
I’m a bit of both. I have a strong cautious streak but I balance that by being silly sometimes.
If you’re an actor you’ve got to think of the future. Actors don’t really retire officially so I try to put things by for a rainy day but I can be extravagant.
Health
Alternative or aspirin
I’ve had problems with my back for years and I go to an osteopath regularly so I think there’s a place for both. I try to take as few pills as possible.
Fitness
Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?
I’ve gone back to doing some exercise.
I do about 10 minutes every day while listening to Radio 4. It’s a few stretches I’ve picked up along the way that are of benefit. I also enjoy walking, it’s so good for you.
Technology
Gadget girl or technophobe?
I’m useless. I’m so envious of people who are good at technology because we live in such a technological age that not to be is a bit pathetic. However it just doesn’t appeal to me.
Hannah Gordon will be in For All Occasions With Hannah Gordon at Southwold Theatre, Suffolk, on August 9 (celebrityproductions.info)